Scale Insects: How to Identify and Get Rid of These House Plant Pests

What They Look Like

Scale are flat, tiny, reddish-brown insects that suck plant juices, leaving
a sticky coating on leaves. Adult scale insects develop a hard, round shell which can make them difficult to kill.

Where to Find Scale

Most scale are found attached to the stems and the backs of leaves, usually along central leaf veins. You may
notice the affected areas to be weak and turn yellow. Scale are especially a nuissance to ficus and ferns.

Honeydew is excreted as these insects suck on plant juices. This sticky substance can be found on leaves, and also the
floor or table beneath the plant.

How to Get Rid of Scale Insects

Young scale insects can usually be controlled with a spray of soapy water. Use mild dishwashing
liquid that doesn't contain fragrance or other additives. Mix 2 teaspoonfuls
with 1 gallon of room-temperature water. Use a spray bottle to spray the soapy water and coat the leaves and stems
thoroughly. Spray once a week for at least a month or until you no longer find insects. Always rinse off the soapy
solution thoroughly with room-temperature water.

Adult scale can be more difficult to remove. If spraying doesn't work, use an old toothbrush dipped in soapy
water to scrub them off. Heavily infested areas should be pruned.

Rubbing alcohol kills many house plant insects, including scale. Dab them with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Repeat applications every 2 to 3 days. This works well, but use it with caution. Covering the whole leaf with alcohol damages
plant tissue.

If the infestation is bad, use an insecticidal soap
made for indoor plants. Make sure
your plant is listed on the product label. Read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer's directions for use.